The SR 520 Floating Bridge and Landings project replaces the existing floating bridge and approaches from the future west approach structure east of Foster Island in Seattle to Evergreen Point Road in Medina.

Why is WSDOT
replacing the SR 520 floating bridge and landings?

After over a half century of use, the existing floating bridge is showing its age. The bridge's pontoons have become vulnerable to windstorms and its support columns are vulnerable to earthquakes.

Additionally, the existing bridge only has two lanes in each direction, no shoulders and no HOV lanes. Adding transit/HOV lanes, shoulders and a bicycle/pedestrian path will provide greater reliability and more options to accommodate growth in the region.

The bicycle/pedstrian path on the new bridge will also connect to regional trails on either side of Lake Washington creating additional recreation opportunities.

The End Result

A safer structure that is resistant to windstorms up to 89 mph.

Two general-purpose lanes and one transit/HOV lane in each direction.

Wider, safer shoulders that will allow vehicles to pull over in the case of a breakdown.

A 14-foot-wide bicycle and pedestrian path on the north side of the bridge.

Ability to accommodate future light rail if the region chooses to fund it in the future.

Project Benefits

Except for occasional short-term closures, SR 520 will remain open through construction of the new floating bridge.

The new floating bridge will improve transit reliability and travel times.

Building components of the bridge in Grays Harbor, Tacoma and Kenmore provides hundreds of jobs throughout Western Washington.